New Gypsy and Traveller pitches should be built near Temple Meads train station instead of in South Bristol, according to a local councillor. Bristol City Council is planning to build six to eight permanent pitches near Hengrove park, but other locations have now been suggested.
Gypsy, Traveller and Roma communities face a dire shortage of accommodation in Bristol, with only 12 existing permanent pitches. The council is planning to triple the number of these pitches by next year, but City Hall chiefs say finding suitable sites for new pitches is difficult.
Plans to clear a patch of trees and shrubland and create new pitches on Western Drive, off Hengrove Way, were given cabinet approval on February 7, but still need planning permission. Opposition councillors criticised the location of the site and lack of consultation.
